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Smartphone makers push leasing and subscriptions as upgrade cycles lengthen

The smartphone industry is shifting from competing on device performance to competing on how phones are bought, as premium prices rise and replacement cycles lengthen. Apple has launched an upgrade program in the United States with Klarna, while Samsung runs Galaxy Forever in India combining financing and guaranteed buybacks. Analysts say such plans can feed devices back into the used market and encourage upgrades within 12 to 36 months, though benefits vary by user.